CPU temp differs widely

[RobtheSwede]

Ok, so I've put in a better cooler on my new system, replacing the stock one, but when I check the CPU temp with the various monitoring programs I have, they show wide discrepancies from what the CPU temp says in Bios. In bios it says 33-35, but with these monitoring programs it shows 50-60.

Who can I trust? This is scary =(

 

[cub_fanatic]

The CPU temp programs are probably showing you the actual core temps inside the CPU. The BIOS is showing you a sensor near the CPU socket, not the actual CPU core. That is why the sensor that isn't on the chip is so much cooler.

 

[George Phillips]

All modern CPUs have built-in temperature sensors for motherboard or OS to read the temperature. Some motherboard however may read the temperature from sensors on the motherboards, so the temperature readings will be substantially lower. If the system is running stably, there is nothing to be scared of. Just make sure the internal components are cleaned once in a while using a vacuum/blower to get rid of the dust to prevent the heat to build up.

 

[RobtheSwede]

ok, thanks for that info guys. I'm a bit worried tho how the temp fluctuates widely (judging by the readings of the monitoring programs), it's in the 50-70 range just when I'm doing basic stuff like downloading, being on skype and surfing. Usually in the lower range of 50 but the thing is that it fluctuates very quickly and often. Is this ok? =(

I haven't tried to run any heavy programs or games yet and I'm a bit scared to do that when it runs this high just from doing basic stuff... =(

Also, this is a brand new custom built PC, it's just been up and running a few hours in all.

 

[cub_fanatic]

ok, thanks for that info guys. I'm a bit worried tho how the temp fluctuates widely (judging by the readings of the monitoring programs), it's in the 50-70 range just when I'm doing basic stuff like downloading, being on skype and surfing. Usually in the lower range of 50 but the thing is that it fluctuates very quickly and often. Is this ok? =(

I haven't tried to run any heavy programs or games yet and I'm a bit scared to do that when it runs this high just from doing basic stuff... =(

Also, this is a brand new custom built PC, it's just been up and running a few hours in all.

What is your ambient/room temp in C? If you have temp sensors in your case, you should be looking at those as well. If they are significantly higher than your room temp, you have an airflow problem and you should check your case fans and PSU fan and what direction they are blowing air. Looking at CPU temps alone doesn't tell you much. You should also be taking into consideration the ambient temp and look at the CPU temps as degrees over ambient. If your room is fairly warm, these temps won't seem that bad. Are the other sensors on your motherboard and case also in the mid 30's C? If your room is cool, though, like the low 20's c, you might have a CPU cooling issue. I'd start with the CPU cooler that you just installed, obviously. Did you clean off the old thermal paste and apply a fresh coat? Are the fans on the new CPU cooler blowing in the proper direction? If it is a tower style cooler, this direction should almost always be towards the back fan of the case and blowing air out like an exhaust. The PSU fan should always be an exhaust as well. Most newer PSUs with the big fan on the top has it blowing air down and out through the back plate which is perforated. The fan on the front of the case should be an intake. You can look up air flow diagrams on google to get a better idea of how to configure your case fans for your particular model of case and CPU cooler.